| Symbolic Structures: An Exploration of the Culture of the Dowayos Contributor(s): Barley, Nigel (Author) |
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ISBN: 052110534X ISBN-13: 9780521105347 Publisher: Cambridge University Press OUR PRICE: $39.89 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: March 2009 Annotation: The book is a detailed study of the symbolic universe of the Dowayos of north Cameroon. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Anthropology - General - Social Science | Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies |
| Dewey: 306.089 |
| Physical Information: 0.32" H x 5.5" W x 8.5" (0.40 lbs) 136 pages |
| Themes: - Ethnic Orientation - Native American |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Many opposing theories have been elaborated by different anthropologists in an attempt to explain the nature of symbolism. In this work Nigel Barley uses a particular ethnographic case to examine the relevance and limitations of these existing theories and to develop a new alternative approach which draws on areas of linguistics and folkloristics at one time neglected by symbolic theorists. The book is a detailed study of the symbolic universe of the Dowayos of north Cameroon, as displayed in their ritual and beliefs. Considering matters as diverse as their oral literature, their material culture and their festivals, Dr Barley's analysis develops by unfolding sequentially a map of the symbolic structures that underlie Dowayo culture and shape their apperception of the world about them. This book will be particularly useful for students. It will also interest all anthropologists concerned with the study of symbolism and with the application to anthropology of models derived from linguistics and folklore. |